David Weir secured his first Berlin Marathon victory ©Getty Images

Britain’s David Weir secured his maiden Berlin Marathon title after producing a dominant display to finish well clear of his rivals in the men’s wheelchair race.

The six-time Paralympic champion was competing at the race for the second time in his career and was aiming to display his form ahead of the 2015 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletics World Championships, which are due to take place in Qatar’s capital city Doha from October 21 to 31.

Weir will aim to add to his tally of six world titles at the Championships when he competes in the 1500 metres and 5000m events, but he proved his quality over the longer distance by completing the marathon in a personal best time of 1 hour 26min 36sec.

The time, which was also a British record, saw the 36-year-old end 3:02 clear of his nearest challenger Heinz Frei of Switzerland while Japan’s Kota Hokinoue completed the podium after finishing a further second back.

"I'm looking forward to next month and the New York marathon,” Weir told BBC Sport.

“I've concentrated on the marathons and once I do that I seem to do well on the track as well."

Handbikers also took to the course around Germany's capital city
Handbikers also took to the course around Germany's capital city ©Getty Images

Russia’s Nataliya Kocherova claimed the women’s wheelchair title in style as she completed the course in 1:50:36 with her team-mate Abdikarimova Akzhana finishing as the runner-up in a time of 1:54:50.

There was success for the home nation as Germany's Natalie Simanowski crossed the line in 2:10.46 to secure her place on the podium.

However, Vico Merklein was to better Simanowski’s achievement as the German proved to be the fastest men’s handbiker by finishing in a time of 1:02:32, while another home favourite Christiane Reppe was the first female athlete to complete the course, crossing the line in 1:10:12.



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